Stacking mechanism



' aan. 27, 1925.-

Filed Oct. 6. 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 .INVENTOR ATTORNEY.

Jan, 27, 1925.

G.- scn-ILIBAclsTAcKING MEGHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 6. 1920 ATTORNEY.

Patented dan. 27, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT TOFJF ICE.

GUSTAVE SCHUBACI-I, OF HOLYOKE, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR T WHITE &"\VYCK OFF MANUFACTURNG CCMPANY,' OF HOLYOKE, MASSACHUSETTS, A CORPORA- TION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

STACKING WLECHANISM.

Application filed October' G; 19%.

lvlechanisms, of which the specifica-tion was filed on @ctober 6, 1920, rniderSerial No. 415,190.

This invention relates to improvements in stacking' mechanisms, andv more particularly tothe segregating and controlling'devices therefor.

This device is adapted `for general application where it is desired to count out and segregate articles into stacks or groups each of which contains a particular predetermined number of articles, but is particu-y larly applicable for use in connection with an envelope making machine.

lWith an envelope making machine it is commonly desired to segregate the envelopes being deliveredby the machine into stacks containing a certain number of envelopes for the purpose of banding or packing the said stacks. Y

llt is important that the envelopes be accurately counted with respect to each stack in order that the banded or packed stacks of envelopes shall contain a definitely linown or vpredetern'iined number.

My stacking mechanism to be hereinafter more fully described is adapted and arranged to be operated in unison with an envelope orother machine and is provided with means to'accuratelycount only such envelopes as areactuallydelivered thereto. Means operable by the counting means when the counting has been -completedv are also provided, to displace or mark off an envelope as it is delivered to the device whereby: a stack of envelopes is segregated in such a manner that the said stack is easily distinguished from other stacks and facilitates its removal from the said stacking device.

One object of the invention is to provide a device that is adjustably adapted to segregate articles into stacks containing various predetermined numbers of articles.

Another object is to provide a device having detectingmeans which controls the Serial No.y 415,190.

counting means, thereby facilitating the ac curate4 counting of `articlesin each segregated stack.

Another Objectis t0 provide a stacking mechanism that is automatic in its operation in that means are provided whereby the counting operation is recommenoed after each segregating movement of the dis-V placingorn'iarlring-oifdevice.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the ,following description `in which will be pointed out such novel features of coustruction and combination of parts as shall` be more Afully described and pointed out iu the appended claims.

The` embodiment of my invention as at present preferred isi describedin the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. l is aside elevational view;

Fig. 2is a sectional view on the line 2 2 ofFig. l;

Fig.' 3 is a sectional view onthe line 3--3 of Fig.- l;

Fig. el is a fragmentary. view of the displacing shaft; and

Fig. 5 isa fragmentary View of the operating slide therefor.

l represents the U-shaped trough or chute usually located at the delivery end of an envelope-making machine and which for illustrative purposes consists of the side walls 2 and 3 and the lower bottom wall 4l. A plunger 5 Arepresents theusual reciproA cating delivery plunger of an envelope machine which usually is operated intermittently to successively deliver the completed envelopes to the said chute l.

A connecting rod (i for operating the counting and displacing mechanism hereinafter described may be connected to and operated by the same envelope machine in unison with the delivery plunger' for the purposes as will hereinafter appear.

curved bottom plate 7 having a depending extension 7 is carried by the bottom side a of the chute and is provided with bearing lugs 8 in which lugs is rotatably mounted a shaft l1.

For the purpose of controlling the operationI of fthe counting and displacing mechanism detectors 10 are provided which I Vrespect to the weight of an envelope, that the detectors are easily depressed by an envelope during its passage thereover, and the slots 9 of the plate 7 allow the detectors to lie therein in order that the bottom edge of the envelope may slide from off thedetectors onto the plate 7*.

While two detectors are shown in the embodiment of the invention at present preferred it is obvious that the device would be operative if one or several such detectors should be used.

A projecting contact member 13 fixed to the shaft 11 and located intermediate the detectors 10 normally abats an insulation block 141 which is fixed to the depending plate 7 and Serves as a stop to prevent an upward movement of the detectors from their normal raised position shown in Fig. 1.

A contact 15 carried by the insulating block 1/1 is so disposed with reference to the contact member 13, that when the detector is depressed and the shaft 11 rotated by an envelope being deposited thereon, a contact is made between the contact members 13 and "15to close an electro-magnetic circuit for the purpose which will be'hereinafter more fully described. While such contacting devices are shown as are capable of closing the magnetic circuit, it is obvious that other devices operable by the movement of the detector may be employed.

Depending lugs 16 are carried bythe plate 7 and carried pivotally mounted therein a shaft 17 to either end of which is fixed counterweighted triggers 1S. These triggers are adapted to be depressed by an envelope being slid over their upper sides and are returned to their normal position shown in Fig. 1 by their counterweighted portions 18. Stops 19 secured to the underside of plate 7 are so disposed as to prevent the triggers from raising above theirnormal raised position shown in Fig. 7. These triggers are adapted to engage the lower edge of an envelope fed there-past and hold the same in an upright position against the stack of envelopes in the chute in the manner best shown in Fig..1. Y

Other devices (not shown) such as a. yieldable plate 'or the like may be provided-in the chute 1 against which the envelopes are pressed when delivered over the detectors and past the trigger, the function of which is to hold the envelopes in a compact pile. Thus, an envelope' delivered by the pusher, depresses the detectors and closes the circuit controlling the counting mechanism and is finally held against the stack bv the triggers.

The means for segregating the envelopes into stacks or a predetermined number coniprises in the present embodiment of the invention, a countingl mechanisn'i for counting each envelope as it is delivered to the chute and a displacing mechanism operating to transversely displace the rearanost envelope of each stack so as to marl: otl.' the separate stacks.

The counting mechanism comprises a counter Q() which is preferal'ilv in the forni of a wheel sector havingl teeth or notches 2l in its periphery and pivotally mounted upon a stud 2) carried by the side wall il of the chute. A pivoted actuated pa wl '235 carried on a reciprocating slide 30 is adapted to engage the notches of the sector l0 to rotate the same clockwise in a step-by-step manner for the counting operation. A radial arm Q2 fixed to the said sector 20 is adapted to engage and actuate the displacing or marking-oliI mechanisn'i as will be hereinafter described.

A retaining pawl 25 pivotally mounted upon the side wall 3 of the chute is ndal'ited to engage the notches Q1 of the counting sector to check the said sector against a eounterclocltwise rotation after each clockvwise counting step. This pawl 25 is further provided with an extension 25 which is adapted to be engaged by locking devices which hold the said pawl `trom engagement with the notches of the counting sector while the same is returning to its initial position after each counting operation. A. tension spring G5 attached to the said pawl 25 and to the wall fl of the chute functions to hold the pawl in engagement with the counting sector notches during the counting operation.

A peripheral cam surface 24 is provided on the sector 2O adjacent the notches 21 thereof and is disposed eccentrically of the pivotal axis of said sector and fuctions to move from the notches 21, the retaining pawl 25 after the counting operation has been completed. Suitable characters as indicated are provided on the sector Q0 adjacent the notches for the purpose later to he described.

A tension spring 26 secured to the uill 3 of the chute and sector Q0 by suitable studs or the like is adapted to rotate. the said sector in a countercloekwise direction when the retaining pawl Q3 has been moved by the cam 24; from engagement with the notches Q1 at the completion of the counting operation.

ltltl an electric current.

An adjusting arm 27 is pivotally mounted upon the` stud 22 adjacent the said sector 20 and is provided with an opening 23 which registers with and exposes therethrough the markings upon the said sector 20. A spring-pressed member 29 is carried by the arm 27 and is provided in the end thereotI with suitable teeth which are adapted to engage the notches 2l of the sector 20. An operating button 30 liXed to the end ot' the notched member 29 provides a means to draw the said member from its normal engagement with the notches 2l ot the sector tor the adjustment ot' the said arm. This adjust-ing arm 27 is arranged for a relative movement with respect to the said sector 20 4and is adapted to be locked in numerous adj usted positions upon the said sector in which positions the number of envelopes to be counted is clearly visible through the opening 28. ln the return or counterclockwise movement ot the sector 20 under the impulse ot spring 26 the arm 2T abuts against stop 6G lined to the side wall 3 ot the chute and having a suitable bumper G to cushion the blow.

t slide 30 is mounted in guides 3l and is arranged for a reciprocating movement therein. A bracket 32 fixed to the slide 30 carries in a pivoted relation the previously referred to actuating pa-wl 23. This pawl 23 is forced to its raised position shown in lfig. l by a compression spring 33 and is held trom a further upward movement by a stop 34E as shown. rllhe slide on being reciprocated to the right in the drawing will carry with it the pivoted pawl 23, which pawl when in its raised position will not engage a notch ot the sector as its angular end 23 will pass over the tooth as indicated by t. The slide 30 is so disposed with reterence to the wheel that the pawl 23 carried thereby engages a notch 2l ot the wheel during the latter part of its movement to the right, and the stroke is preterably longer than is required to move the wheel one notch, thereby resulting in a substantial 4over-travel of the pawl 23.

Suitable electro-magnets 35 are lixed to the slide and are adapted to attract and hold the pawl 23 thereto when energized by Vhen the pawl 23 is held in its downward position by the magnets it then will in its forward reciprocating` movement engage a. notch of the sector 2t) and rotate the same one step. A battery B or any other suitable source of electrical current is provided and is connected by a suitable conductor 36 to the contact l5. A conductor 37 connects the said battery to the magnets and a conductor 38 connects the magnets 35 to the contact 13. Thus, an electrical circuit. is provided which controls the engagement ci the pawl 23 and notches 2l ot the counter and said circuit is opened or closed by the previously referred to contacts 13 and l5.

A bell-crank il() is pivotally mounted upon the stud ll and has one end l2 in engagement with a suitable slot 43 oi the slide 30 while its other arm is pivotally connected to the reciprocable operating rod 6 previouslyv described whereby the slide is reciprocated by the rocking ot the lever t0 in unison with the reciprocation of the plunger 5.

A latch 43 is pivotally mounted on the wall 3 ot the chute and is provided with a step d3 tor engaging the end 25 ol' the retaining paw/l 25 to hold the pawl trom engagement with the notches 2l ot the counting sector, when the said pawl has: been moved trom its engagement by the cam ot' the sector. A depending rod l5 carried by the slide 30 has an oli'set portion 4G adapted to enga-ge the latch 43 during the latter part of the return movement ot the slide and release the latch e3 from its engagement with the pawl 25 to ther by allow the pawl to be moved by the spring 65 into its holding engagement again with the notches ot the sector.

rlflie displacing mechanism for segregating the stacks will now be described by reiference to Figs. 2, 3 and et. it horizontal slide bar is carried in ay suitable bracket 5l and has fixed to the end thereot a displacing plate 52. This plate is adapted to move transversely ot the chute by the sliding action oit the bar and is so disposed relative to the incoming envelopes as to engage one edge of the envelope and torce it laterally of the chute l. lnclined teeth 53 are 'provided on one side ot the bar 50, and are adapted to be engaged by interlitting teeth 54 ot a vertical slide bar A recess 56 is provided in wall 3 ot the chute for the reception o'l1 the plate 52 whereby a, smooth surface is provided for the reception of envelopes.

The vertical slide bar is slidably mounted in the guides 5T and is adapted tor a reciprocating movement therein. Teeth 54 are provided in one side ot the bar and are disposed at an angle to interlit the teeth 53 oil" the bar 50. The teeth and teeth 5-l are so adapted and arranged that a reciprocating movement ot the bar will impart a transverse movement to the bar 50 for the disilacing operation. il. stop pin 55 lined to the slide bar as shown, is adapted to abut the under side oit the upper guide 57 to limit the upward movement o'lE the said slide bar A tension spring 63 connected to the upper guide 57 and the slide bar 55 functions to return the bar to its upper position, and the plate of the horizontal slide bar 50 into its recess ai'ter the displacing operation. A roll 5G pivotally mounted upon the` said bar is provided and is so disposed as to be engaged by the operating mechanism now to bei described. The operating means for the displacing or marking-ott mechanism comprises a lever c. or actuator GO which is pivotally mounted vin its forward movement.

upon the stud l1 and has its long arm (S1 Vengaging the roll 56 ot' the vertical slide bar while its short arm G2 is disposed in a position to be engaged by the radial arm 2Q or' the counting sector 20.'

In operation, the device may be adjusted to count oli'l any desired predetermined immber ot envelopes and the number will be segregated by displacing the last one ot the desired number as it is delivered to the chute. The displacine' ot the. last envelope ot the numberI as it is delivered to the chute renders it possible to remove trom the chute Vthe. segregated stack or bunch containing a known or specified mimber. For illustrative purposes assume it to be required to remove bunches or stacks of ten envelopes. The lever 27 is then adjusted with respect to the sector 2O so that the 10 oi the dial is under the opening and registers with the arrow of the lever. During this adjustment the pawl is held by hand or otherwise from engagement with the notches 21 ot the sector Q() and the sector' 2t) carrying with it the lever'is allowed to rotate by the action o't* spring 26 until the lever' abuts the bumper 65. `With the lever QTVthus set and abutting the bumperthe counting mechanism is in condition for the counting operation and in this particular instance will count ten envelopes and the tenth or last ot which will be displaced as best shown in Fig. 2.

Since the rod G has been connected to reciprocate in unison with the delivery plunger 5, then as each envelope is delivered to the detectors 10 the slide willreciprocate toward the counting sector. As Veach cnvelope is delivered to the detectors the contacts 13 and 15 are closed and the electrical current furnished by the battery is conducted to the magnets whereby the pawl 23 is lowered and engages in its Jorward reciprocating movement successivernotches ot the counting sector. It, for any reason, the plunger' failsV to deliver an envelope the detectors will remain in their raised normal position and the contacts 13 and 15 will remain separated, the magnets 35 will not be energized and as a consequence the pawl 2s will beheld in its upper position by the spring and will not on its forward movement engage a notch of the sector.

So long as successive envelopes are delivered by the plunger 5 the detectors close the circuit upon the delivery of each envelope and the successive notches of the counting sector are engaged by the pawl 23 The arm 22 ot the sector and the cam 24 rotate clockwise and are so disposed with relation to the notches ot the sector, that the last or tenth movement ot the said sector brings| the arm LZ into abutment with the lever arm (i2 by the mechanism described. and causes the displacement ot an envelope in thc chute. Also, the cam 24- on this last movement engages the pawl and moves it away from the sector, at which time the extension :25' oi the pawl is engaged by the shoulder 4-8 ot the latch which holds thc said pawl in this inoperative position. The pawl 2o being so locked, the sector is now rotated by action ot the spring 2U to its initial position wherein the. lever 2.7 abuis the, bumper (3:3. During the return movement ot the slide and atter the sector has returned to its initial position the otiset portion to ot the rod -l5 abuts the latch sie and swings it to the lett thereby permitting the pawl :25 to be carried by the spring (3:3 to an operable position where it may again engage the notches ot the counting sector. The mechanism is now ready tor a repetition ot the counting and displacing operation and will continue to act itor segrcgating the envelopes into stacks in the manner described.

yIhe lever 2T may be adjusted upon the sector to count any predetermined number oi articles and the last one ot the number will be displaced with respect to the prcvionsly delivered or counted articles in such a manner that the, bunch or stack is segregated trom the other stacks in thc chute. Furthermore, although the slide 30 is operated in unison with the plunger 5 upon the failure ot the plunger to deliver an envelope the counting mechanism wil] not bc actuated, thereby insuring that a correct number ot envelopes is in each stack before the last envelope is displaced.

lWhile I have shown and described the embodiment ot my invention as at present preferred, it is obvious that many changes may be made in the device without dcparting` :trom the scope ot' the invention.

What I claim is- 1. In an envelope stacking mechanism in combination, mechanism for marking oil stacks of envelopes, an actuator for said marking-oli' mechanism, a counting device. provided with tripping means for operating said actuator mechanism, said tripping means being adjustable toward and from said actuator for operation upon. the counting ot' various predetermined numbers ot envelopes in said stacks, actuating means for Said counting device, and an envelope detecting device operable by engagement with an envelope tor controlling the operation of said actuating means.

2. In an envelope stacking mechanism in combination, means tor delivering envelopes in succession thereto, mechanism for marking otf stacks of envelopes comprising, a device for displacing one of the envelopes of each stack, a counting device provided With tripping means Yfor operating said markingolt mechanism when a predetermined number ot envelopes have beenv counted, said trippingmeans comprising a single member adjustable igor operation upon the counting of various predetermined numbers ot envelopes in said stacks, actuating means for said counting device and an envelope detecting device, operable by engagement With an envelope tor controlling the operation or said actuating means.

3. In an envelope stacking mechanism, in combination` means for delivering envelopes in succession thereto, mechanism ttor marking off of stacks ott envelopes, a counting device provided with tripping means for operating said marking-oill lmechanism when a predetermined number of envelopes have `been counted; said tripping means being adjustable for operation upon the counting of various predeterminednumbers of envelopes and said counting device comprising a toothed member, and a reciprocating pavvl carrier having an actuating paWl mounted thereon for engagement with said toothed member; and an envelope detecting device arrange-d to engage With the envelopes delivered to said mechanism for controlling the engagementl of said actuating paivl with said toothed member.

4t. In an envelope stacking mechanism in combination, means for delivering envelopes in succession thereto, mechanism for marking off said stacks comprising a device :tor displacing one of the envelopes of each stack, a counting device comprising a toothed member adapted to have a step-b v-step movement in counting the envelopes delivered to said mechanism, a tripping arm on said toothed member for operating said marking ott mechanism When a predetermined number of envelopes have been counted, an adjustable setting arm on said toothed member for determining the number of envelopes to be counted, actuating means for said toothed member, comprising an actuating paivl and a reciprocating paWl carrier therefor, an envelope detecting device comprising a movable feeler located in the path of movement of each delivered envelope, and electro-magnetic means actuated by said eeler for controlling the engagement of said actuating paivl with said toothed member.

In an envelope stacking mechanism, in combination, a counting device ior counting the number ot envelopes to be stacked, actuating means ior said counting device, means to reset said counting device to its initial position after being actuated to count a predetermined number, and adjustable setting means for determining the predetermined number to be counted before the resetting ot said counting device.

6. In an envelope stacking mechanism, in combination, a counting device for counting the number of envelopes to be stacked, comprising a toothed member, step-bystep actuating means for said counting device, means to reset said toothed member to its initial position after being actuated to count a predetermined number, and a stop arm adjust-able on said toothed member ttor determining the initial position of said toothed member when reset.

7. In an envelope stacking mechanism, in combination, mechanism for marking oft? stacks of envelopes, a counting device provided With a tripping member for operating said marking-oil mechanism, said member being bodily adjustable for' operation upon the counting of any predetermined number of envelopes less than the maximum capacity ot the counting device, actuating means for said counting device, and an envelope detecting device operable by engagement With an envelope for controlling` the operation ot said actuating means.

8. In an envelope stacking mechanism, in combination, mechanism tor marking ott stacks of envelopes, a counting device provided With a pivoted tripping member tor ope ating said marking off mechanism, said member being rotatably adjustable for operation upon the counting of any predetermined number ot envelopes up to the maXimum capacity of the counting device, actuating means for said counting device, and an envelope detecting device operable by engagement With an envelope for controlling the operation of said actuating means.

In testimony whereof I have affixed my signature.

G. SCHUBACH.

Certiicate of Correction.

It is hereby certified that in Letters Patent No. 1,524,213, granted January 27, 1925, upon the application of Gustave Schubaeh, of Holyoke, l\/Iassaehusetts, for an improvement in Stacking Mechanisms, errors appear in the printed specioation requiring correction as follows: Page l, line 941-, for the Word same read salici; page 2, line S8, for the word actuated read zo-mating; page 4, line 117, claim l, strike out the. Word mechanism and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the ease in the Patent OHiCe.

Signed and sealed this 3d day of March, A. D. 1925. l

[SEAL] KARL FENNING,

y Acting ommz's'sz'oner of Patents. 

